How We Work
Poem Stellium is an independent, small-scale publication shaped with care, intention, and slowness. It exists as a space for reflection, feeling, and creative honesty — and it is built to move at a human pace.
Rather than operating on constant deadlines or rigid schedules, Poem Stellium works in cycles. Some doors are always open. Others open gently, when the time feels right.
Our Approach
This publication is guided by the belief that creative work needs room to breathe.
Everything here is shaped around sustainability, emotional care, and long-term presence — not urgency or overproduction. The way submissions open and close may change over time, and that flexibility is part of how the work stays alive.
My Mind Submissions (Open Year-Round)
My Mind Submissions are open throughout the year.
This space welcomes writing that explores mental health, inner worlds, emotional processing, and lived experience. There is no set theme and no deadline.
Submissions are read on a rolling basis, allowing contributors to submit when they feel ready rather than rushed.
General Submissions – Poetry & Short Stories
General Submissions for poetry and short stories are open year-round.
Writers can submit their work throughout the year without waiting for a specific submission window. This allows Poem Stellium to continue welcoming new voices and growing its catalogue on an ongoing basis while giving each submission the care and consideration it deserves.
General Submissions are open calls and are not competitions. They do not follow a set theme.
Themed submissions, special topics, competitions and other creative opportunities are announced separately throughout the year and will have their own individual guidelines.
Creative Collaborations & Special Projects
At selected moments throughout the year, Poem Stellium may open occasional creative collaborations or special projects.
These opportunities may bring together poetry and other forms of expression or explore particular ideas, themes, or creative experiences. Full details are shared individually when available.
Themed Competitions & Special Calls
At certain moments, Poem Stellium hosts themed competitions or special calls responding to particular subjects, feelings, or cultural moments — such as mental health or Black history.
These calls are occasional, intentional, and limited in number. They are announced individually and are not part of a fixed yearly schedule.
Awareness & Cultural Moments
Throughout the year, Poem Stellium acknowledges important cultural and awareness moments — including World Poetry Day, Mental Health Awareness Week, World Mental Health Day, and Black History Month.
These moments may be marked through reflection, curated features, or shared work. Not every observance involves an open submission call.
A Note on Change, Care, and Continuity
Poem Stellium is a living project and will continue to evolve over time. Its structure may shift as the work grows and as care remains a priority.
Any changes to how submissions or projects run will always be shared clearly. The intention is to create a space that feels thoughtful, grounded, and sustainable — for both contributors and the person holding the work.